Scleral Icterus : The Yellow Misnomer

In the inaugural episode of The Clinical Etymologist, Dr. Simon Kim an internist and self-appointed Clinical Etymologist unpacks the case of “scleral icterus” — a phrase we all use, but one that’s anatomically inaccurate. Through storytelling, humor, and clinical clarity, this episode explores the physiology of bilirubin, the causes of jaundice, and why the yellowing of the eyes doesn’t involve the sclera at all.  We’ll trace the path of bile from hemoglobin to urobilin, decode the pre-, intra-, and post-hepatic patterns of jaundice, and revisit first-year ocular anatomy. Along the way: Star Wars references, a nod to BTS, and a butterfly flapping its wings in Tokyo. Because in medicine, every word has a pulse — and every misnomer has a lesson.